[Hey I'm back once again! I actually don't have anything to say so on to the reviews!
Reaperblaze- No, Nero will not be getting any other weapons. Having multiple weapons is Dante's thing.
S0ularbiter97- I am going to use the normal DT. I personally like it more. It shows that Nero is different from Dante and Vergil.
Overlord of Doom- You misunderstood what I said. I meant that he helped Beelzebub with the idea, he didn't create them. I also realized that Sparda being killed shortly after they were made would make Dante and Vergil centuries old so I went and edited the previous chapter. Speaking of them, they are still half- demons (Devils) and you'll have to wait to find out about Eva.
Now, without further ado, on to chapter 10!]
Disclaimer: I don't own anything. They belong to Ichiei Ishibumi and Capcom.
Chapter 10: The Rating Game Begins!
Nero was sitting on his bed and looking at the time on his clock. "Only one hour left. I've been training my ass off for this. There's not a chance in hell I'll let him win." He said. A knock was then heard from his door.
"Nero, do you mind if I come in?" Asia asked.
"No it's fine. Come on in." She then walked into the room wearing her old nun outfit. "Huh, you haven't worn that in a while."
"I just thought that wearing this would make me feel a little more confident. The president said it was okay as long as I felt comfortable. So I just wanted to know what you think."
"You look great Asia. But then again you always do."
"Thank you, that's very sweet. Is it okay if I stay here until it's time to go?"
"Yeah sure. Why not?"
"Thank you." She then walked over and sat down on his bed next to him. She then lied her head on his shoulder.
"What's the matter?"
"It's nothing. I'm just a little nervous about the match. But as long as you and the others will be with me, I just know that everything will work out fine."
"Yeah. Don't worry. All of us are going to do our best to make sure that we win, no matter what."
"Right. Then I'll do my best too."
"Wouldn't have it any other way." The alarm clock then started ringing and Nero then turned it off. "It's time. Sorry you didn't get much time."
"It's alright. Now let's go win."
"That's what I like to hear." He then got up, put on his coat, got the Blue Rose, and sheathed the Red Queen on his back. They then left Nero's house and went to the ORC club room. When they got in the room, Kiba was attaching his sheath to his belt and sheathed his sword, Koneko was putting on a pair of blue gloves with pink paw prints on the front of them, and Akeno drinking tea with Rias doing the same. After Nero and Asia sat down, Rias then looked to Nero. He had the Gremory symbol in red sewn into the shoulders of his coat.
"Wow. Rias doesn't even look worried. Not entirely surprising but still." Sona and Tsubaki then walked in.
"Nero, when did you sew that into your coat?"
"When we were at the mansion, on the night that you heard me shooting."
"Why did you do that?"
"Well, thought that I have to represent the peerage. It's just a good thing that I was able to remember what the Gremory symbol looks like."
"Sorry to interrupt." Sona said as she walked into the room.
"It's fine. Come in Sona." Rias said.
"Glad you could make it." Akeno said.
"Didn't really expect to see you two here. What's the occasion?" Nero asked Sona and Tsubaki.
"There's a live broadcast of the Rating Game for the rest of the Devils in the Underworld to watch, our families included. They're here to help with that." Rias explained.
"Oh."
"And besides, it's her first Rating Game. I wouldn't want to miss an event like this." Sona said.
"I promise that I'll try to make it interesting enough for you." Rias said. After she said this, a white magic circle appeared and Grayfia appeared.
"It's almost time. I hope you're prepared." She said.
"We're ready whenever you are."
"In a few moments, you'll be using this magic circle to teleport into the arena."
"And where exactly is that?" Nero asked.
"In an alternate dimension that's been created just for the Rating Game. Since it's not a real place, we can let loose. We can even burn it down if we wanted to." Akeno said while chuckling to herself.
"Well when you go into S mode, that's when I get scared."
"Tsubaki and I will be in the student council room observing the game and cheering you on. Good luck." Sona said.
"Thanks Sona. Just try to keep the play by play fair." Rias said.
"Don't worry, I will. But if I was betting, I would say that you're going to beat that scumbag six ways to Sunday." Sona said and then left the room.
"There's one more I forgot to mention. You should know that Lord Lucifer will be watching." Grayfia said.
"Oh, so my brother's watching."
"Hold on. You're brother is the Lucifer?" Nero asked.
"That's right. Her brother is the Satan Lucifer, king of the Devils." Kiba said.
"Huh. I did not see that one coming."
"His actual name is Sirzechs. He became the Satan Lucifer after the original four Satans died in the war. Because of him, the Devils were kept from falling into ruin."
"I had no idea." Memories of what Rias had told him from that night from when they were training came to him. "Damn it."
"It's time everyone." Grayfia said and Rias stood up.
"Then let's do this." She said. Everyone then went to stand in the magic circle and one by one, they teleported before only Nero was left.
"No matter what, we're winning." He thought and he too teleported to the arena. When he got there, he noticed that they were still in the ORC club room. "The hell? Did we get a defective circle?"
"Attention everyone. Welcome, my name is Grayfia, a servant of the Gremory clan and I will be the referee for this match. To create the arena, I took suggestions from both Lady Rias and Lord Riser. As such, the arena will be an exact replica of Kuoh Academy, the school where Lady Rias and her peerage attend." Grayfia said over a PA system.
"So what does that exactly mean?"
"Just take a look outside." Rias said. He went over to one of the windows and outside was a perfect replica of Kuoh Academy but with the sky being completely green.
"Like I said, this is an alternate dimension. No matter what you see, we're not at school anymore." Akeno said.
"Huh. That's really impressive. And we can go all out?" Nero said.
"Yep."
"Hell yeah!"
"Each peerage has been given an area that serves as their respective home base. Lady Rias has the Occult Research Club room in the old school building. Lord RIser has the principle's in the new school building. Each peerage's Pawns will be promoted when they reach the enemy peerage's base. Good luck to all." Grafia said.
"Well I'm going to go straight through to his base, promote, and then kick that douchebag's ass. Is what I would say if I didn't know that tactic would probably result in me getting my ass kicked." Nero said.
"Most likely." Akeno said.
"Good thing you understand. Chances are Riser will move his servants into our territory as soon as he can." Kiba said.
"Got it." Nero said. Koneko then walked up to him and handed him a small ball of light. "Thanks. So what's this do?"
"These will help us stay in contact during the match." Rias said as one flew up into her ear.
"Nice, that's going to be helpful." He then put his into his ear.
"Now, let the Rating Game begin!" Grayfia said. Kiba then brought out a map of the school grounds.
"Riser's base is just across the grounds, but that route is not an option." Rias said analyzing the map.
"He would see us coming from a mile away." Koneko said.
"Exactly. We might as well just be sitting ducks."
"If we were to cut through the track field and sneak in the back, we may have the element of surprise." Nero said.
"Unfortunately, that's the most obvious entry point and Riser knows it. If I had to guess, he's going to station a group of Knights or Rooks in the Athletic club house." Rias said.
"That doesn't exactly leave us with a lot of options, now does it?" Akeno said.
"First of all, I think we should secure the gymnasium before anything else. It's adjacent to their base and not too far away from us. What's most important, is that it can serve as a distraction for the others." Kiba said.
"The gymnasium is in the middle of the arena. Whoever get's to it first is definitely going to get an advantage in the match."
"Good call. Given all the options we have, this is our best chance. Koneko do you think you can get in there and secure it?" Rias said. Koneko then noded.
"All this is starting to make me nervous." Asia whispered.
"Hey don't worry. Rias is here, so all we have to do is follow her lead and we'll be fine. Okay?" Nero whispered.
"Okay."
"In order to do this, we need to establish a defensive perimeter. Kiba, Koneko set traps in the woods outside." Rias said.
"Got it." Kiba said.
"All right. Let's do this Shiro." Koneko said while summoning Shiro.
"Wish us luck." Kiba and Koneko then left the room.
"Akeno, when they finish setting the traps, your illusion magic is going to be helpful, so I want you to be prepared." Rias said.
"I will be waiting." Akeno said as she left the room.
"What do you need me and Asia to do?" Nero asked.
"Asia, you are our healing support. In order to keep you safe, we need to keep you close to base. We'll be in a lot of trouble if we lose you." Rias said while walking over to one of the couches.
"I understand." Asia said.
"Nero I need you to come over here."
"What for?" He asked.
"I want you to come and put your head on my lap."
"Huh? Why? I don't exactly see why that would be impor-"
"Will you just get over here already?"
"Whatever you say." He then went over and lied his head on Rias' lap. "Wow. I have to say this is actually , why am I thinking that. I have to focus on the match."
"Are you comfortable?"
"Uh…. I'm not entirely sure how to answer that. Why exactly did you do this?"
"I just thought that you deserved a reward for all of your hard work."
"Wait what?" He then sported a light blush on his face.
"I'm only teasing you Nero."
"No offense but I think you need to work on your comedy routines." He said with a deadpanned expression. Rias then started laughing and he joined slightly after. After a minute, they both calmed down
"Well, it's time that you received more power."
"Wait what do you mean?"
"When I put the eight Pawn pieces in you, I had to use magic and put a spell on the pieces to keep them from being at their maximum since you weren't ready. If I let the pieces stay as they were, they would have torn your body apart. However, since you've trained and become stronger, I suppose it's time for some of them to be 'unlocked' if you want to think of it that way."
"Alright. Go ahead." Rias then put her hand on his forehead and he felt power surge through him. "Whoa. I haven't felt this much power before."
"Unfortunately, you can't have all of them unlocked but you were able to have half of them unlocked. With time and training, you could unlock the other four. Now, I want you to go out there and do your best. Don't go easy on them just because your opponents are girls."
"No problem. Like I said, I'm not going to let you lose. Not a chance in hell." Rias smiled at his declaration.
"I can't wait to see what you're capable of. I just know you'll make me proud." Akeno then called to Rias from the communicator while Nero sat up.
"President, can you hear me?" She said.
"Loud and clear Akeno."
"The rest of us are ready. Just give the word." Rias then stood up.
"Alright then. Here's the plan." Rias then proceeded to explain the plan while Nero headed out front to meet up with Koneko. "Once you're in the gym, there's no way you can avoid an engagement with the enemy. Just remember to follow the plan."
"Got it." Nero and Koneko said.
"Kiba are you in position?"
"Yes. I'm all set." Kiba said in the forest.
"Akeno, be ready to move. I'm counting on you."
"We've got this in the bag." Akeno said.
"Alright then. It's time to begin. Commence operation: Phenex's Downfall. You're opponent is Lord Riser Phenex and his peerage. He is a skilled warrior among the Phenex clan. Be sure to show no mercy because none will be shown to you. Good luck to each of you." Nero and Koneko looked to each other, noded, and ran towards the gym. Shortly after, they arrived at the gym and entered it. They then wound up on the stage in the gym.
"Man, this is one hell of a replica." Nero thought.
"They're here." Koneko said. The lights then turned on throughout the gym.
"Smells like filthy Gremory. Come out now." A voice said.
"She'll regret saying that." Nero thought. "Well, we can't exactly be stealthy now can we?" They then walked out in the open.
"Look what the cat dragged in. She sent both a Pawn and a Rook." Said one of the four servants in the gym. The woman had a white complexion, blue eyes, shoulder length black hair with white Chinese buns, and a navy blue Chinese dress with gold accents, and black armguards on her forearms.
"So who exactly are you guys supposed to be?"
"My name is Xulean, a Rook for Lord Riser."
"My name is Mira, a Pawn." Said the servant who attacked Nero in the ORC club room.
"My names Ile, a Pawn." Said a small girl with short green hair, blue eyes, and is wearing a white tee- shirt, black pants, and blue sneakers.
"My names Nel and I'm also a Pawn." Said a girl that looked identical to Ile.
"The Rook, she could cause trouble." Koneko said. Nero then summoned the Boosted Gear.
"How so?"
"According to reports, her power is near the power of a Queen."
"Really? Either way, four against two? Not exactly fair. How about I even the odds a little?" A blue magic circle then appeared on the floor next to Nero. A bright glow then enveloped the gym and when it died down, Amaterasu was standing next to Nero.
"What is that?" Xulean asked.
"Oh this? This is my Beowolf."
"A Beowolf?!"
"Amaterasu, ladies, ladies, Amaterasu. Now Amaterasu…. go hunting." After Nero said this, Amaterasu's paws caught on fire and the metal plates appeared on his legs and along his back. He then jumped at the twins and started attacking. Koneko then fought Xulean while Nero fought Mira.
"It's been a while. How you been?" Nero asked. Mira just glared at him. "Still pissed about the whole 'I beat you' thing?" She continued glaring at him."Not in the mood to talk? Alright then." He then drew the Red Queen and charged at her. He kept trying to hit her but she would dodge or block his strikes. "Damn this isn't going anywhere. She seems to have gotten faster since last time. Guess it's time to break it out." He then jumped back, sheathed the Red Queen and pulled out the Blue Rose and started channeling magic into it. Mira quickly followed after him and she went to strike and he blocks it with the barrel. He then grabbed her staff to prevent her from getting away. The Blue Rose was then filled with magic and he aimed and then shot her, causing her to fly into the wall. "Damn. Packs more of a punch than I thought." He dismissed the Boosted Gear then looked over to Amaterasu's fight. The twins had pulled out chainsaws and were trying to hit him with them. When they would strike with the chainsaws, he would raise his leg so the metal plate would defend him and he would slash at them every chance he got. He then added more plates to his body and ignited himself on fire and started to spin. He then launched himself at the twins, blasting them into the wall with Mira. Amaterasu then extinguished his flames and made the plates disappear. He then walked over to Nero.
"Nice job boy." He said while petting Amaterasu. He then looked over to see how Koneko was doing. The Rook Xulean was launching fire enhanced kicks and occasional punches with Koneko dodging them all. Xulean then delivered a powerful kick and Koneko caught it before pulling Xulean towards her and delivering a powerful punch to her face, causing her to stumble backwards.
"That was a good one." Xulean said before Koneko then shoulder charged her, knocking her to the ground, struggling to get up.
"Who in the hell are you?"
"I'm Koneko." She then looked over to Nero and walked over to him. "So that's what you were developing during training?"
"Yep. I channel magic into the Blue Rose and when it fires, it is much more powerful." Nero said.
"Koneko, Nero, what's your status?" Rias asked through the communicator.
"We're all good here. The servants are subdued and the gym is secured."
"Good work Nero. You too Koneko. Akeno is in position and waiting. You two need to get out of there now."
"Got it." They then started to run for the exit.
"Hey! Where are you going?!"
"Get back here cowards!"
"Who runs in the middle of a fight?!"
"It's not running! It's called part of the plan!" Nero yelled to them. When the three of them got out of the gym, a large yellow magic circle appeared in the sky and a massive bolt of lightning came out of it, destroying the entire gym and knocking the three of them forward.
"Three of Lord Riser's Pawns and one of his Rooks have been retired." Grayfia called through the PA.
"That was goddamn awesome!"
"That's one way to put it. She's the real deal. It's the reason why her title is the 'Priestess of Thunder'. She knows how to bring a lot of power and she likes it."
"If she's a priestess of anything it's pain. I'm really just glad the super sadist is with us." He saw that Akeno was sporting a large blush and then licked her finger. "Seriously, she scares me when she's like that."
"The Phenex peerage still outnumbers us. We're going to need to buy Akeno some time so when the time comes for her second attack, she'll be ready. Once her energy is replenished, we can then start the preparations for our next move. For now, just stick to the plan and we will win this match." Rias said over the communicator.
"Where to now?"
"We need to get to the Athletic field as soon as possible. Kiba's waiting for us there and if we see any opponents along the way, we need to deal with them. Sound good?"
"Yeah. I just hope that Kiba's doing alright by himself. Well, knowing him, he's probably taking them all on without breaking a sweat. Regardless, I don't think he'll mind if we go give him a hand."
"Just keep your wolf away from me."
"What? Why?"
"I'm just a cat person." She said as she started walking.
"Alright. Let's get moving Amaterasu." Amaterasu noded and they went to catch up to Koneko before an explosion occurred where Koneko was, blasting Nero back a ways. "KONEKO!" He then ran over to where Koneko was,her clothes in tatters, and cuts and burn marks on her body.
"Nero what happened to Koneko?! Nero answer me!" Rias called over the communicator with him not answering. Nero then looked up and saw Yubelluna.
"That's one." She said. Nero's eyes then glowed burning red and he growled in anger.
[Well that wraps up this chapter! Sorry it took me a little while to get this one out. My wifi was acting up but it's sorted out now. Because of this I'm going to try and get the next chapter out early. Leave a review and I will see you guys in the next chapter! Until then!
Chapter 11: The Rating Game's End.]